7 Plastic Kitchen Tools You Should Toss ASAP

A set of black kitchen utensils including ladles and a pasta server laid on a wooden surface — Credit:
Irina Piskova / Getty Images

Once considered convenient, inexpensive, and even stylish, many plastic kitchen tools are now considered both an environmental and health risk. Yikes! But if your kitchen is full of beloved tools made of the material, how do you know which to toss? Are any safe to use?

"A lot of my clients feel pretty overwhelmed when I recite a list," says Dani Dominguez, MS, RDN, "but I recommend that they start small and begin replacing one category at a time."

Below, see the most important plastics to ban from your kitchen to start working towards reducing plastic use at home. "By reducing plastic in your kitchen, not only are you taking a step in the right direction to protect your health, but also creating a safer environment," says Dominguez.

01 of 07

Plastic Spatulas

Plastic Kitchen utensils in a holder on a counter next to a stovetop — Credit:
Grace Cary / Getty Images

With their most popular use involving the stove, plastic spatulas have the potential to release microplastics into your food, especially as time goes on or with frequent use.

This is also true for plastic mixing spoons. Though less likely to be exposed to heat, they can develop scratches over time that could harbor bacteria and also release microplastics. "If possible, switch to stainless steel, wood, or bamboo," suggests Dominguez.

02 of 07

Nonstick Coated Utensils and Cookware

You'll want to go through your utensil drawer and check for tools and pans with nonstick coatings containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals.” When these are heated, they can release toxic fumes that can be harmful, says Dominguez.

While the most harmful PFAS have been phased out, their replacements haven’t been around long enough for researchers to fully understand if they might have the same (or even different) health effects, notes the American Cancer Society.

03 of 07

Single-Use Utensils

Several disposable food containers stacked with a plastic fork and spoon on top placed on a wooden table — Credit:
mamadela / szefei

"Disposable cutlery often contains phthalates, which are chemicals used to make the plastic flexible," Dominguez explains. “Not only are these an environmental concern, but also a health hazard that can lead to hormone disruption and developmental issues."

These phthalates have the potential to leach into food, especially when heated or used for hot food. If you need single-use items for an event, opt for more eco-friendly or compostable options like bamboo, Dominguez suggests.

04 of 07

Melamine Dishes

Stack of patterned plates placed on a wooden table with a tablecloth — Credit:
mamadela / Getty Images

Melamine dishware can be colorful, stylish, and durable—but it should only be used for cold foods—and especially not used in the microwave. "While it is generally considered safe for cold foods," Dominguez explains, "when it is heated, it could release harmful chemicals like formaldehyde."

If you just can't part with your pretty plates, remember to keep them out of the microwave and away from hot dishes.

05 of 07

BPA Plastics

A chemical found in many plastics, Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with a laundry list of risks. "Research has shown that BPA exposure is associated with endocrine system disruption, infertility, growth disruption, immune system suppression, and even the formation of cancer," Dominguez says.

According to Dominguez, some BPA substitutes can be similarly harmful, so be wary of plastics labeled BPA-free, too. Be on the lookout for both BPS (bisphenol B) and BPF (bisphenol F), Dominguez says, and consider switching to bamboo, wood, or stainless steel utensils and glass storage containers.

06 of 07

Damaged Plastic Cutting Boards

person chopping carrot on cutting board next to various other foods — Credit:
Mladen_Kostic / Getty Images

"Plastic cutting boards with deep grooves carved into them will likely harbor bacteria that will then get into your food," notes Dr. Angela Downey, MD, family physician and host of the Codependent Doctor podcast. Factor in the microplastics that can end up in your food from plastic cutting boards, and they should probably be tossed. Opt for wooden, bamboo, or paper composite cutting boards.

07 of 07

Imperfect Plastic Kitchenware

If it’s hard for you to toss all your plastics at once, start with those that show wear and tear. "You should consider getting rid of any utensils that are no longer in working order," says Dr. Downey. "Utensils that are melted, cracked, and hard to sanitize will be more likely to release microplastics or carry harmful bacteria."